WT Chemistry Professor Wins Grant to Develop Efficient Solar Cells

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A West Texas A&M University professor has won a $200,000 grant to further his research into clean energy.

Dr. Juganta Roy, assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Physics in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, recently was awarded a National Science Foundation research grant to develop efficient materials for solar cells through computer simulation and artificial intelligence.

“Receiving this award is pivotal to me. It confirms my commitment to furthering scientific exploration while supporting me to make a substantial, long-term contribution via innovative research and education,” Roy said. “The successful development of the AI framework and subsequent fabrication of solar cells will benefit the sunny and agriculture-based Panhandle region through solar cells for agricultural lands.”

Roy works in computational chemistry, which uses calculations based on quantum and classical physics to understand and predict the behavior of molecules at the atomic level.

In this case, Roy hopes to develop an AI-assisted framework to screen efficient materials for solar cells, called photochromic dyes or sensitizers, that change color in response to changes in light conditions.

“The advantage of using these dyes is that it allows for greater control over the amount of light being absorbed and converted into electricity,” Roy said. “This underlying principle is the basis for developing smart windows that adapt to changing light conditions, adjusting the balance between light transmittance and power generation.”

The grant will provide funding for Roy to mentor six undergraduate students over the next two years. Roy also hopes to use the grant to further establish outreach activities to build a pipeline of STEM students from high schools to WT.

Meeting area needs as a Regional Research University is the primary goal of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $165 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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